GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS FEBRUARY 21-22, 2019

CURRICULUM GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Dear Teachers, GENERAL INFORMATION Thank you for joining us for the Applause Series presentation of The Golden ABOUT DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS Dragon Acrobats. The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of Chinese Page 3 — a cultural art form that has held a prominent place in Chinese culture for well over 2,500 years. Rooted in ancient traditions, Chinese ABOUT THE APPLAUSE SERIES acrobatics continue to thrill audiences worldwide. It is our hope that your Page 4 students will not only be amazed at the astonishing , flexibility and CIVIC CENTER FIELD TRIP strength of the Golden Dragon Acrobats but will gain new appreciation and INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS interest in China’s rich culture and history. Page 5 THEATER INFORMATION This Curriculum Guide is designed to provide information, discussion topics, GOING TO THE THEATHER activities, and resources to use both before and after the performance. The Page 6 materials are meant to help you integrate the show with learning objectives in HOW TO BE AN many areas of the curriculum. AUDIENCE MEMBER Page 7 In the following pages you will find tips about being a good member of an audience at the Civic Center, contextual information about the performance AUDIENCE REMINDERS Page 8 and related subjects, as well as a variety of discussion questions and activities. Some pages are appropriate to reproduce for your students; others are ABOUT THE SHOW ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE designed more specifically with you, their teacher, in mind. We look forward to Page 9 seeing you and your students at the Civic Center! ABOUT THE COMPANY Page 10

See you at the theater, CHINESE ACROBATICS Des Moines Performing Arts Education Team Page 11

TRAINING TO BECOME A CHINESE ACROBAT Page 12

HISTORY OF CHINESE ACROBATS Page 13

TEACHER LESSONS Pages 14-20

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SOURCES Page 21

STUDENT PRINTABLES Pages i-iii

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS SUPPORT FOR DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND THE APPLAUSE SERIES IS PROVIDED BY:

Anderson Erickson Dairy • Arts Midwest • Bradford and Sally Austin • Bravo Greater Des Moines • Clive Community Foundation • DuPont Pioneer • Ernest & Florence Sargent Family Foundation • Gannett Foundation/The Des Moines Register Hy-Vee, Inc. • Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs • John Deere • Judith A. Lindquist Scholarship Fund • Maytag Family Foundation • Richard and Deborah McConnell • McKee • Voorhees and Sease • Meredith Corporation Foundation MidAmerican Energy Foundation • Nationwide • Polk County • Prairie Meadows • Principal • SVPA Architects, Inc. • U.S. Bank • Union Pacific Foundation • Wells Fargo & Co. • West Bancorporation Foundation • Windsor Charitable Foundation and more than 300 individual donors.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 2 DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS BY THE DMPA is central Iowa’s premier not-for-profit NUMBERS performing arts organization.

Guests experience a wide variety of art forms 300,000 and cultural activities, with presentations ranging More than 300,000 guests attend performances from Broadway, comedy, professional dance, and events in our four venues each year to family programming.

DMPA is more than the Civic Center! 75,000 You can find us at the following spaces: DMPA education programs serve more than 75,000 Iowans annually. • Civic Center, 2744 seats • Stoner Theater, 200 seats • Temple Theater, 299 seats 500,000 • Cowles Commons (outdoor plaza) More than half a million students and teachers have attended school-time performances as part of the Applause Series since its launch in 1996.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 3 Take thousands of Iowa students out of their classrooms, place them in a theater, sprinkle the stage with world-class performers,

AND WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

A recipe for learning that reaches new levels of possibility — for students and teachers. APPLAUSE SERIES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BEYOND THE STAGE Each year, more than 50,000 students and teachers attend an For many Applause Series performances, we offer Applause Series performance. The actual cost per person is the opportunity for schools to go deeper by $8, but thanks to the caring contributions of donors, schools exploring an art form or theme that connects with pay just $1 per ticket. By removing the financial barriers to what is seen on stage. Invite a professional participation, donors introduce a whole new generation to the teaching artist into the classroom or visit another power of arts in action. That means stronger schools and cultural destination in Des Moines to help students communities now and in the future. make more meaning of a piece of theater.

BRINGING ARTS EDUCATION TO LIFE The Applause Series is a flagship education program of Des Moines Performing Arts. Since its launch in 1996, more than TICKET TO IMAGINATION The Applause Series annually delivers 60 a half million students and teachers have attended school-time age-appropriate performances for pre-school to high performances as part of the series. You are joining us for the school students. The impact stretches far beyond 23rd season of school performances! the Des Moines metro, reaching schools in over 35 Iowa counties. The theater becomes the classroom. One-hour matinees energize students to imagine new ways of creative expression, cultural diversity and even career opportunities.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 4 FIELD TRIP INFORMATION TEACHER GUIDE

WE WANT YOUR FIELD TRIP TO BE SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL!

Please read below for important tips and details to ensure a great day.

GET ORGANIZED ARRIVAL/SEATING Double-check that all students, teachers, and chaperones An usher will greet you at the door and ask for your school were included in your ticket order. Request an adjustment if name. your numbers have increased. We want to make sure we have enough seats for you! Adults will be asked to show proper identification (such as school IDs or visitor badges as applicable) at the door. Tickets are not issued. Bring a copy of your invoice, which will serve as your group’s “ticket”. Each group will be assigned a specific location in the theater based on various factors. An usher will escort you to your Schedule arrival for 30 minutes prior to the start of the section. performance. This allows time to park, cross streets, find your seats, and go to the restroom. Your school may be seated in multiple rows. Adults should position themselves throughout the group. Let drivers know that Applause performances are approximately 60 minutes, unless otherwise noted. Allow ushers to seat your entire group before rearranging student seats or taking groups to the restroom. This helps Remind chaperones that children under the age of three are us seat efficiently and better start the show on time. not permitted in the theater for Applause Series events.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING IN THE THEATER The Des Moines Civic Center is located at Adults are asked to handle any disruptive behavior in their 221 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES, IOWA group. If the behavior persists, an usher may request your group to exit the theater. DIRECTIONS FROM I-235: take Exit 8A (Downtown Exits) and the ramp toward 3rd St and 2nd Ave. Turn onto 3rd Please wait for your group to be dismissed by DMPA staff Street and head south. prior to exiting the theater.

Police officers stationed at the corner of 3rd & Locust Streets will direct buses to reserved street parking near the Civic Center. QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS? We are happy to help! Buses are not allowed to drop groups off in front of the theater. Contact us in advance if there is a special Please contact us at: circumstance. [email protected] 515.246.2355 Buses remain parked for the duration of the show. Drivers

must be available to move the bus immediately following the performance.

Personal vehicles are responsible for securing their own parking on a nearby street or in a downtown parking ramp.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 5 GOING TO THE THEATER GRADES: K-3

WE ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU TO A PERFORMANCE! It is so fun and special to see a show with real people and music instead of watching on a screen. It is different than watching a movie at home because at the theater the audience has an important job to do to make the performance the best!

ETIQUETTE means how to behave politely in a special situation

THEATERTHEATER ETIQUETTEETIQUETTE

NO WAY! Do not bring food, drinks or chewing gum into the theater. save your lunch and your phone Remind the grown-ups with you to turn off and put away cell phones calls for before and other electronics that might light up or make noise before or after the show the performance begins.

Respect the theater. Each seat holds many people each year and can’t handle lots of bouncing up and down! Keep your feet on the floor (not on the chair in front of you) and your bottom in the chair. WE’RE HERE When the house lights dim, the performance is about to begin. TO HELP! Time to zip your lips and turn your listening ears on. our ushers can answer your questions! You can remind people near to you with a quiet shh if they are being noisy - but be careful not to make an even bigger disruption. JEFF

Use the restroom before the performance or wait until the end. If it is an emergency, quietly tell one of the grown-ups near to you and they will help you safely leave the theater.

If you are separated from your group or have an emergency, find a person who has black pants and a gold name-tag to help you! They are the ushers and can use their radio to make sure you get back to the right spot.

Have a fun time!

DIDDID YOUYOU KNOW?KNOW? THE THEATER IS DESIGNED TO MAGNIFY SOUND. (even whispers can be heard!)

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 6 HOW TO BE AN AUDIENCE MEMBER GRADES: K-3

When people are on stage performing they can hear and see the audience. The audience has the job of making sure the actors or dancers or singers know that you are paying attention and enjoying the performance. Sometimes the right thing is to clap and shout out. Sometimes the best way to show you are having a good time is by sitting quietly with your hands in your lap.

YOUR JOB AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER What are the performers As you experience the performance, asking the audience to do? ask yourself the following questions: Do they want people to clap along & get up? Or do you think they need quiet to concentrate What is the mood of the artists? on their hard work? Are they happy & smiling

or wearing serious

is this? faces? What kind of show

A musical or concert? or a play? A dance performance

What are the people around How do you know when to clap? you doing? Are your grown-ups Is the audience waiting until the very watching the stage quietly or or is there a break in the performance stomping to the beat or dancing? where others are clapping too?

HOW WILL YOU GET TO THE THEATER?

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 7 AUDIENCE REMINDERS GRADES: 4-12

ATTENDING A LIVE PERFORMANCE IS A UNIQUE AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! UNLIKE THE PASSIVE EXPERIENCE OF WATCHING A MOVIE, AUDIENCE MEMBERS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN EVERY LIVE PERFORMANCE.

YOUR ROLE AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER Artists on stage are very aware of the mood and level of engagement of the audience. As such, each performance calls for a different response from audience members.

As you experience the performance, DIDDID YOUYOU THE THEATER IS DESIGNED TO MAGNIFY consider the following questions: KNOW?KNOW? SOUND. EVEN WHISPERS CAN BE HEARD!

What kind of live What is the mood of performance is this? the performance? • musical Is the subject • dance matter serious THINGS TO REMEMBER • concert or lighthearted?

Do not bring food, drinks or chewing gum into the theater.

Turn off and put away cell phones and other electronics before the performance begins

Do not text or take photos or video during the show. Are the artists Respect the theater. Keep your feet off of the seats What is the mood encouraging the and avoid bouncing up and down. of the artists? audience to clap to When the house lights dim, the performance is about Are they happy and to begin. Please stop talking at this time. the music, move to smiling or somber the beat, or participate Use the restroom before the performance and reserved? or wait until the end. in some other way?

Remember that this is a special experience. The artists are creating something just for you. Appropriate responses such as laughing and applauding are appreciated.

Pay attention to the artists — they will let you know what is appropriate. Are there natural Open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart to the entire breaks in the experience. performance where Enjoy youself! applause seems appropriate?

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 8 ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE

The Golden Dragon Acrobats performance will feature astounding acrobatics and Chinese traditional dance. Contortionists, tumblers and jugglers may spin plates, create a bicycle pagoda and juggle everything from balls to umbrellas using not only their hands but also their feet and entire bodies.

Run Time: Approx. 60 minutes

LIST OF ACTS www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 The Golden Dragon Acrobats’ performance will www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 likely include the following acts: www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 • Thousand Hand Dance • • Head www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 Balancing • Table Hoop • • Tower of www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 Chairs • Flags • Pole Act • Warriors • Drumming www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 Juggling • Diablo Yo-Yo • Tower of Chairs www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 • Bicycle Family www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0 www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=op0oFXc5EY0

Do you have a prediction about what each of the Watch this video to see a preview of the Golden acts might include? Can you create a picture in Dragon Acrobats’ most famous acts. your mind of what some of the acts might look like?

MUSIC COSTUMES The Golden Dragon Acrobats’ performance The acrobats will have several costume changes will be accompanied by a musical score during the show. Pay attention to the bright, inspired by traditional Chinese music. vibrant colors and how the costumes contribute to Listenwww.youtube.com/watch?v=gWHxZDn05qE to an example of the music here. the feel of each act.

CRITICS’ REVIEWS The powerful music, simple themes, and explosive The impossible can be achieved, choreography are about and once achieved surpassed, then something that transcends surpassed again. culture — absolute joy in The Cat in the Hat with his exploring the full potential of cake on a rake, has nothing the human body. Associated on the Golden Dragon Press Acrobats. Kids have every reason to love the Golden Juggling everything from NYtheatre.com umbrellas to soccer balls — and Dragons. with props as varied as ladders and giant spinning wheels — the The spectacle wasn’t created by performers show just why they’re magic, but through the strength Newsday world famous. and articulation of the body. And that’s what made it magical.

The New The New York Post York Times

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 9 ABOUT THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS The award-winning Golden Dragon Acrobats come from Cangzhou on the east coast of China, within Hebei province, in the People’s Republic of China. They have been on tour in the United States since 1978! The 25 troupe members are athletes, actors and artists who have studied and trained for their craft since they were children.

DESIGNING THE ACT Danny Chang, along with choreographer and costume designer, Angela Change, create “colorful ways to use [the troupe’s] skills and take advantage of their apparent total lack of fear” [The New York Times]. The Golden Dragon Acrobats combine amazing acrobatic feats with theatrical techniques with traditional Chinese dance. The show features contortionists, tumblers and jugglers in breathtaking acts like the bicycle pagoda and the traditional Chinese Lion Dance.

ABOUT DANNY CHANG, FOUNDER Founder and director of Golden Dragon Acrobats, Danny Chang is a leading promoter of Chinese acrobatics. He began training at the age of eight with his family’s acrobatic school in Taipei and started performing with the Golden Dragon Acrobats at age ten. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Medal for International Faith and Goodwill by the Republic of China’s Coordination Council for North American Affairs.

ALL AROUND THE WORLD The Golden Dragon Acrobats have performed in all 50 of the United States and in over 65 countries around the world. The troupe had its Broadway debut in 2005. The acrobats in the company have received many awards for their talents.

DIDDID YOUYOU KNOW?KNOW? Hebei province, shown in red on the map, is the home of the Golden Dragon Acrobats. Hebei province is considered to be the birth place of the art form of acrobatics — a 2,500 year old cultural tradition.

Map courtesy of gochina.about.com.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 10 CHINESE ACROBATICS

After years of training the Golden Dragon Acrobats work together to use their bodies and props to perform amazing acts which combine skill and endurance along with creativity. The acts are all carefully planned and practiced to surprise and amaze their audience. Here are some pictures and descriptions of what you might see at the performance.

CHINESE HOOP DIVING Performed in China for over 1,000 years, two sticks of This act is over 2,000 years old. Also called bamboo are connected with string to spin an additional “Dashing Through Narrows,” it was once known piece of wood (like a yo-yo) back and forth in a variety as the “Swallow Play.” The performers imitate the of timed movements. flying movements of swallows –a kind of birds - as they leap nimbly through narrow rings. LION AND DRAGON ACTS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I The lion represents the spirit of renewal and is revered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I for dispelling bad luck. Big Lion is played by two https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I acrobats, while Small Lion is played by one. The lion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I rolls and jumps, exhibiting attributes such as strength, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I agility, and tranquility. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-wiJa2x-I Video of Swallows Flying DOUBLE POLE A group of acrobats climb up and down thin poles demonstrating agility and strength to execute a variety of dangerous movements.

ROLLING BALANCE CONTORTIONIST Performers gracefully bend and twist into FOOT JUGGLING unbelievable knots, while Performers lie on a special seat and juggle and catch balancing precariously objects with their feet. Objects may include tables, perched objects on every umbrellas, rugs and other household items. limb. SPINNING PLATES CHAIR STACKING HANDSTAND Performers use several While on a pagoda or ladder of chairs, the long, pencil-thin sticks to performers practice handstands and other support spinning plates that stunts. look like lotus leaves facing the wind or colorful BICYCLE butterflies flitting and Acrobats ride together on a single bicycle, dancing. This act is often take it apart, turn it over a table and display a combined with balancing variety of postures, including the beautiful and tumbling. tableau of a peacock fanning its feathers.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 11 TRAINING TO BECOME A CHINESE ACROBAT Acrobatic acts have evolved throughout the history of China, a country that is known for training some of the best acrobats in the world. Chinese acrobats learn handstands, juggling, , and balancing. The skill does not come easily but comes from years and years of hard work and sacrifice.

EARLY TRAINING Most Chinese acrobats are selected to attend DIDDID YOUYOU special training schools at around six years of age. KNOW?KNOW? When most American children are in the first grade, HANDSTAND TRAINING these students work long and challenging hours to Among the four basic skills, handstand is the most hone their craft often away from their families for important. It is considered to be the essence of months at a time. Six days a week they practice Chinese acrobatics. Many signature acrobatic acts gymnastics, juggling, martial arts and dance in the include some form of handstand. Master teachers mornings. The children then take general education have commented that “handstand training is to classes in the afternoons. acrobats what studying the human body is to a LEARNING BASIC SKILLS medical student.”

The first two years of acrobatic training are the most Though it might seem simple to do a handstand, an important for aspiring acrobats. Acrobatic students acrobat goes through progressive steps to learn basic work daily on basic skills. The four core foundational to advanced handstands. Training impacts three big skills for Chinese acrobats are mastering the areas of the body – shoulders, lower back, and wrists. handstand, tumbling, flexibility and dance. It is important that all three of these parts of the body are strong. In China, the basic handstand is learned DEPENDING ON THE TEAM by the youngest, beginning students, starting against Acrobatic acts are performed either solo or in groups. the wall. After three to six months of full time training, Group acts require team cooperation, trust, and students build up to doing 30 minutes of handstands constant communication. on a wall. During this time, the three areas of the body

become stronger until at last students are able to

balance in a handstand without support. Young acrobats do not like handstand training. In a basic handstand, one is upside-down with all the body’s weight on the wrist, shoulders, and lower back. If you have practiced a handstand before you might also remember the feeling of the blood from your body ABOVE: Children studying acrobatics at Zai Ming rushing to your head and giving you a funny feeling. Acrobatic School in Wuqiao, China practice There is natural pressure to want to come down and handstands against the wall. Photo by the hands are the only support for the body. Chang W. Lee, courtesy of The New York Times. After the first two-years of training, only a few www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.htmlTo learn more, click www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html acrobats will specialize in the handstand. However, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.htmlthis link to a Daily Mail www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html handstand training is essential to all acrobatic work www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.htmlarticle on an acrobatic www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html due to the role it plays in strengthening the body, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.htmltraining school in www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html mind, and spirit of the acrobat. It is a kind of test to www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.htmlChina www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html see if young acrobats have the strength to push the www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html body past the usual limits. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266441/Chinas-child-gymnasts-brutal-training-regime-best.html

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 12 HISTORY OF CHINESE ACROBATS

The art of Chinese acrobatics is an ancient tradition. Learn more about the factors that influenced the art form’s popularity and how the art form has evolved over the years.

FIRST RECORDS Over its long history, acrobatics has become one of This image depicts one of the the most popular and well-known art forms among earliest emperors from the Xia the Chinese people. While many historical records Dynasty. For most of its history, provide evidence for the development of this art form China was ruled by a series of emperors who held supreme as far back as the Xia Dynasty (4,000 years ago), it power. Emperors from the same is most commonly believed that acrobatics did not family are classified into historical become very popular until approximately 2,500 periods known as dynasties that years ago when it began to capture the attention of refer to the period of when they the country’s powerful emperors. ruled. www.factsanddetails.com EARLY INFLUENCES EVOLUTION OF CHINESE ACROBATICS Acrobatics first developed during the Warring States Since these early times, acrobatics have been Period (475BC-221BC), evolving from the working incorporated into many forms of Chinese performance lives of people from Wuqiao (pronounced oo-chow) arts, including dance, opera, martial arts, and sports. county, located in Hebei Province.

Today, acrobatic acts are designed and directed with Acrobats used everyday things around them – the goal of creating graceful stage images. Musical instruments of labor such as tridents, wicker rings accompaniment and the added effects of costumes, and articles of daily use such as tables, chairs, jars, props and lighting turn these performances into plates, and bowls – to experiment with balancing exciting staged events although they still can use and other acrobatic tricks. humble everyday objects as props in their acts.

AMBASSADOR ROLE THINKTHINK Acrobatics now serve an important role in the cultural ABOUTABOUT IT!IT! exchange between China and other nations, including the United States. Today, China presents acrobatics CONSIDER: Why would they use plates and bowls to practice acrobatics? internationally as a living example Chinese culture and as evidence of the hard-working nature of the In a time when China was traditionally an agricultural Chinese people. It is part of the rich tradition of China or farming society – where there were no electronics and one that is a source of pride for many people. or telephones – people used their imaginations to learn new skills such as acrobatics. These acts were DIDDID YOUYOU incorporated into community celebrations, such as to KNOW?KNOW? celebrate a successful harvest. Acrobatic troupes were traditionally run by families.

This print from the Han Dynasty Many famous acrobatic families in China continued depicts acrobats performing this tradition through many generations. It was handstands. common that acrobatic troupes would teach only their own children and close relatives the secrets of their Image courtesy of en.cnci.gov.cn. acts in order to keep their mysterious technique and traditions within their family.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 13 CONNECTING TO LANGUAGE ARTS

LESSON 1: COME TO THE SHOW! Golden Dragon Advertisement (Best for K-2) Objective: Students will consider what images/illustrations best represent their understanding of the performance and use a few words or sentences to share the main idea. Activity: Think about the Golden Dragon Acrobats performance. Which amazing act was your favorite? Discuss what you liked best about the show and why as a large group. Then send students to create an advertisement for a future Golden Dragon Acrobats performance (template available on page i). Make sure to incorporate an illustration and words that you think show the best part of the show and would convince other kids to want to see it.

Lesson 2: Chinese Folk Tales (Best for K-5) Because Chinese acrobatics grew out of a folk custom, the old stories can help us understand the important values and cultural symbols of the tradition. Obective: By reading a selection of folktales (for the full list, see resources on page 21) students have a broader context from which to understand the traditional stories of the Chinese people. Activity: Depending on the age of your students and access to materials, teachers may choose to read a few selections as a class read-aloud and reflect on what the theme or main idea of the tale. Older students may wish to break into small groups to read tales in literature circles and develop a way to share the story with others. A reader’s theater, an illustrated text or google slide show or even just an oral summary can give students a chance to practice literacy skills.

Note: The didactic purpose of many traditional folk stories might allow teachers opportunity to enter into discussions about being a critical reader. Students may encounter stereotyping or exaggeration that could use unpacking in order to deepen the experience of the genre.

Watch the video below to hear one of the Chinese folktales read aloud.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JEUEOmyduA

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 14 CONNECTING WITH GEOGRAPHY

LESSON (Best for: Grades 3-8) China has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. Throughout its history, it has played a major influence on culture, technology and the arts both within its borders and around the world. Learn more about China prior to the show. OBJECTIVES: Students will explore the Fast Facthttps://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg sheet (page ii) or visit the National Geographic site on China. To dig a little deeper students might enjoywww.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ the “30 cool facts about China” link.

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/geography/countries/30-cool-facts-about-china/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/china/#china-dragon.jpg

MATERIALS: connection to the internet and computer access or the Fast Fact sheet (page ii) ACTIVITY: Have students explore the National Geographic Kids Facts on China and divide into small groups to present information relevant to each category. Students might each contribute to a google slide to a class presentation or prepare a sheet to be compiled into a digital book.

Students may prefer to select a topic of interest to them or their group. A list to get them started might include: Mandarin Language

Mount Everest

Giant Panda

Yangtze and Yellow River

Chinese Calligraphy

Confucius philosopher

Yuan – Chinese Money

Chinese Calendar – Year of the Pig

Communist Government

Chinese Empires

Inventions – compass, silk, gunpowder

But there are so many more possibilities to explore!

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 15 CONNECTING WITH ART

LESSON: CHINESE PERFORMING ARTS (Best for: Grades 1-12) Acrobatics is one of the oldest forms of performing arts in China but it certainly isn’t the only one. In this activity, students will watch video of other Chinese performing arts, take notes on their observations, and use it as a catalyst for their own writing or creating. OBJECTIVE: To understand that there is a wide variety of Chinese performing arts and to create and reflect about experiencing the various art forms. MATERIALS: Computer(s) with internet access, speakers connected to the computer, paper, pencils, copies of Critical Response Worksheet (page iii) ACTIVITY: 1. Visit thehttps://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/multimedia/series/VideoStories/china John F. Kennedy Center’s ArtsEge website and search for the “China: Arts & Culture Video Series”. 2. Either individually or in small groups, ask students to carefully watch one of the following videos: Beijing Traditional Music Ensemble Tornado by Cai Guo-Quiang Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Shaanxi Folk Art Theater Yunnan Singers

3. As they watch, ask students to fill in the “Critical Response Worksheet” (page iii) The worksheet asks them to record what they notice in the video, what it reminds them of, what questions they have as they watch, what emotions they feel or see, and what they think the meaning of the art is.

Note: Teachers of younger grades may choose to facilitate this as a group conversation rather than individual writing. Use the worksheet to guide the conversation.

4. You may choose to work through the videos one at time as a large group, divide into small groups each responsible for reflecting on one form, or stretch out the viewing process over a week. Invite students to share one of their top observations, questions, memories, feelings or speculations.

5. After reflection, provide students with time to free write using their notes and the video as inspiration. They may write a story, a journal entry about an experience the video reminded them of, a poem, or respond visually using a variety of materials.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS: 1. What, if anything, surprised you about the video that you watched? 2. Have you ever seen or experienced anything similar? Do you have connections? 3. Do all cultures create art? Why? 4. Why do you think the Chinese people created this art form? What does it help them to express? 5. What ways do you express yourself?

*Critical Response is an artful tool developed by the Perpich Center for Arts Education.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 16 CONNECTING TO SOCIAL STUDIES

LESSON: HEADLINES FROM CHINA (Best for: Grades 3-12) In this activity, students will research current events in China, practicing both the skill of research but also connecting to a richer, more contemporary picture of life in China that is led by students’ interests. OBJECTIVE: To develop understanding of what life is like in China today. MATERIALS: Newspapers, magazines via an internet connection ACTIVITY: 1. There are regularly news stories in English language publications about events in China. Have students look for news about Chinese events. Depending on the age and ability of your students, they may find typical new sites such as the New York Times or BBC News helpful or may prefer Newsela (www.newsela.com) or Time for Kids (www.timeforkids.com) as a spot for beginning their research.

Note: Teachers will need a log-in for Newsela site.

Newselawww.newsela.com Site

www.newsela.com www.newsela.com www.newsela.com newsela.com www.newsela.com newsela.com www.newsela.com newsela.com www.newsela.com newsela.com www.newsela.com newsela.com www.newsela.com newsela.com www.newsela.com newsela.com www.newsela.com www.newsela.com 2. Ask students to bring in articles or to save the link to a class file or page. 3. Invite students to share their news stories about China with each other and discuss the current events and topics. 4. As a class, choose a handful of articles that most interest you. Have students give a brief presentation on their findings to the class. It might be useful to post some of the articles in order to give interested students a chance to read further.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS: 1. Which news story most interested you about China? Why? 2. Based on your research, in what ways is China different than the U.S.? In what ways is it similar?

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 17 CONNECTING WITH MOVEMENT

LESSON 1: OBJECT BALANCING (Best for: Grades K-5) Acrobats train for years to develop strength, flexibility and balance. In this activity, students will practice balancing a stick made from rolled up newspaper on their palm. OBJECTIVES: To explore balance and apply concept to more complex skills demonstrated on stage. MATERIALS: Open area, newspaper, tape ACTIVITY: FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS: 1. Have students each take a large sheet of newspaper (or other thin paper) and roll it up as tight as they can. 1. What was challenging about this activity? 2. Ask students to tape the newspaper roll in the middle 2. What is balance? and the ends. (Teachers can also prepare “newspaper sticks” in advance.) 3. When do you use balance in your daily life? 3. In an open area, invite students to place their 4. What do you think acrobats’ training is like in “newspaper stick” on the palm of their right or left hand order to develop their excellent balance skills? and try to keep it balanced and upright. 4. Do this for a few minutes and then reflect with the discussion questions listed on the right.

LESSON 2: HUMAN SCULPTURES Best for: Grades K-8 Acrobats use strength, flexibility and balance to create an astonishing assortment of shapes with their bodies. In this activity, students will explore making sculptures with their bodies — both singly and in pairs. OBJECTIVE: To prepare to observe the acrobats create complex shapes with their bodies and to understand the flexibility and cooperation such feats require. MATERIALS: Open area ACTIVITY: 1. Ask students to spread out in an open space. Each person should find their own personal space “bubble” with room to move their arms and legs. 2. Ask students to imagine that they are like clay and can mold their bodies into different shapes like triangles, circles, and squares or into objects like tables, flowers, ladders, etc. 3. Ask students to experiment with using high, medium and low levels as they make shapes with their bodies. 4. Encourage them to try to use their entire bodies when making their shapes. If students need direction, you may call out different shapes (geometric shapes, letters, numbers, objects, etc.) for them to try to make with their bodies. 5. Next, ask students to work in pairs to continue to try to make different shapes and object sculptures. 6. When students are done experimenting in pairs, provide time for reflection about the difference between making shapes by yourself or with others. EXTENSION: Encourage students to look for FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS: shapes that the acrobats make with their bodies 1. What skills do you need to make different shapes during the performance and perhaps to take mental or sculptures with your body? pictures or note when they see a shape being made. Use the images of the performers in this 2. What was challenging about this activity? googlehttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10JmlsNkYDdQ_PbmSAtlm3jmjgjN_AWvMC9IBze02bJ0/edit#slide=id.p slide show to spot what shapes are being 3. What was it like making shapes by yourself? made and how bodies are transformed into objects. 4. What was it like making shapes with a partner?

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 18 DISCUSSION AND REFLECTIONS

After attending the performance consider some of the questions below to help and connect to and process the experience.

THEMES AND CONNECTIONS What have you learned about China or the Chinese people through the acrobats’ performance that you found most interesting?

Using information in the study guide and what you saw in the performance, consider all the training that goes into being an acrobat. What acrobatics show us about human capabilities? Compare training to be an acrobat to striving for your individual goals in life and how you might “train” for your own future career. Do you think you could withstand the training to be an acrobat?

PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS How did the lighting add to the show? How did the costumes help to express the ideas or moods of each act? What did you notice about the musicians? Had you heard or seen similar instruments before? How did the live music enhance or change the performance?

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES WRITE A REVIEW Ask students to imagine that they are a critic for the school newspaper. They are going to write a review of the Golden Dragon’s performance to inform others about what they experienced. They should describe with detail: what they saw; what they heard; how the performance made them feel; what the performance reminded them of; and what their favorite part was and why. Remind students that they must paint a picture of the experience with their words so that others who did not see the performance can imagine it as vividly as possible.

WRITE A LETTER DATE After attending the performance, discuss the

experience with your students. Ask them questions Dear about what parts of the show they found to be most exciting or surprising. Next invite students to write letters to the performers or to the Des Moines My favorite part of the show was… Performing Arts’ education team or donors about the While watching the show I felt… because … experience. After writing their letter, students can I have drawn a picture of the scene when… illustrate a scene from the performance. This experience was special because …

Mail finished letters to: Des Moines Performing Arts Sincerely, Attn: Education Department (your name) 221 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309

If you get stuck in writing use the prompt to the right to get you started.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 19 VOCABULARY

ACROBAT: a performer who performs gymnastic PAGODA: a particular style of building that is and tumbling feats. popular through Asia. Acrobats imitate the pagoda’s shape by forming human pyramids and ACT: a part of a performance. In acrobatics, an using props (such as fans) to mimic the detailed act often refers to a specific trick or stunt roof lines. performed by the acrobats. PROPS: items used on stage during ANCIENT: a historical reference to all history performances. Examples include plates, porcelain before the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D. vases, or chairs. In acrobatics, props are most Chinese acrobatics, which evidence suggest often common, everyday items. This stems from started at least 2,500 years ago, is an ancient art acrobatics’ origins, when peasant people would form that is still performed today. use items around themselves to try to perform new tricks and stunts for their own entertainment. AGILITY: the ability to move quickly and easily. SYMMETRICAL: two sides of something are BALANCE: steadiness or equal distribution of identical or balanced. To create a bicycle pagoda, weight. Acrobatic feats require great balance. for instance, the acrobats must have complete symmetry. CHOREOGRAPHER: a person who creates movement compositions and plans and arranges TUMBLING: gymnastic acts that consist of leaps, patterns of movements. Choreographers often plan somersaults and other flips. and design dances. Acrobatic acts also are designed by a choreographer.

CONTORTIONIST: a flexible performer able to move muscles, limbs and joints into unusual positions. Acrobatic troupes feature contortionists.

DYNASTY: a succession of rulers from the same family or group. Dynasties ruled China until 1911.

FEAT: an act or product of skill. In acrobatics, a feat often refers to a difficult stunt or trick. TOP: A Chinese pagoda building.

BELOW: An acrobatic act called a bicycle pagoda. FLEXIBILITY: ability to bend easily. Acrobats’ bodies must be very flexible.

HANDSTAND: an act where the body is supported in a vertical position by balancing on the palms of one’s hands. The handstand is the most important skill for acrobats to master. Children studying to become an acrobat often spend the first year of their training just working on handstand skills.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 20 RESOURCES AND SOURCES

BOOKS Chinese acrobatics grew out of a folk custom. Read a selection of folktales to learn more about the stories of the Chinese people.

The Painted Wall and Other Strange Tales Bedard, Michael,Tundra Books, 2003

The Greatest Treasure Demi, Scholastic Press, 1998

The Magical Monkey King: Mischeif in Heaven Jiang, Ji-li, Harper Trophy, 2002

Ten Suns: A Chinese Legend Kimmel, Eric A, Holiday House, 1998

Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China Louie, Ai-Ling, Philomel Books, 1982

The Seven Chinese Brothers Mahy, Margaret, Scholastic, 1989

Fa Mulan: The Story of a Woman Warrior San Souci, Robert D , Hyperion Books for Children, 1998 The Sons of the Dragon King: a Chinese Legend Young, Ed, New York, 2004

The Lost Horse: a Chinese Folktale Young, Ed, Silver Whistle/Harcourt Brace, 1998

CLASSROOM RESOURCES “ArtsEdge: China” John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Online collection of lesson plans and multimedia resources for various grade levels related to different forms of Chinese arts. http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/search.aspx?q=china

“Children Acrobats” Video of 4 impressive child acrobats competing on a Chinese television show called “Who’s the Hero”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo3KZPrTD5M

“Training Tiny Acrobats in China” New York Times Photo essay of children training at a Chinese acrobatic school. Narrated commentary discusses the motivation of many parents to send their children to acrobat school as a way to try to escape poverty. http://www.nytimes.com/packages/khtml/2006/07/03/world/20060528_ACROBAT_AUDIOSS.html

STUDY GUIDE SOURCES “Artful Online” Perpich Center for Arts Education http://opd.mpls.k12.mn.us/perpich_center_for_arts_education_artful_online

CAL Performances SchoolTime Study Guide: Golden Dragon Acrobats http://www.calperfs.berkeley.edu/learn/k-12/pdf/2008/Golden_Dragon_Acrobats_Study_Guide_0809.pdf

Golden Dragon Acrobats O cial Website http://www.goldendragonacrobats.com/

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Shangri-La Acrobats Study Guide http://www.ordway.org/education/studyguides/

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PAGE 21 POSTER TEMPLATE CONNECTING TO LANGUAGE ARTS (PAGE 14)

(Illustration here)

Write about your poster

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS i ABOUT CHINA: FAST FACTS CONNECTING WITH GEOGRAPHY (PAGE 15) Adapted from the CAL Performances SchoolTime Study Guide: Golden Dragon Acrobats.

INVENTIONS POLLUTION During most of human history – and until the 15th No country in history has emerged as a major century – China was the most advanced country in industrial power without creating a legacy of the world in terms of technological development and environmental damage. Because of its culture. unprecedented economic growth over the last three decades, China’s pollution problems have SIZE AND POPULATION shattered all precedents. 70% of water in China is the fourth largest country in the world. Its China is polluted and only 1% of the 560 million city land mass is only slightly smaller than the United dwellers breathe air that is considered safe. The States. Its population of 1.3 billion is the Chinese are working hard to counter the effects of largest in the world – more than four times the size this tragic situation. of the U.S. SYMBOLS OF OLD AND NEW CHINA China has such a large population that for many The Great Wall of China was built and rebuilt years married people of the Hun majority (92% of between 5th century B.C. and the 16th century to the population) were only allowed to have one child. protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire. It The laws are now changing, in part due to the unfair is the world’s largest manmade structure. treatment of girls. If families were allowed to have only one child, they preferred a boy. This caused The Chinese were excited to host the 2008 many problems for the changing population. Olympic Games. Because the government knew that the games would allow many of the world’s GOVERNMENT people to see inside China for the first time, many The earliest and most enduring system of improvements were made – thousands of trees were government in China began around 1111 B.C. It was planted, new hotels were build, and old sites were dynastic in structure, which means that an renovated for tourists. emperor ruled until he died or passed it on to his son or nephew. In 1911, a SCHOOLS IN CHINA revolution ended over 2,000 years of imperial rule. China has the largest educational system By 1921, the Communist Party of China was in the world. Over one million schools of various founded. In a Communist state, all kinds enroll more than 318 million students. The businesses, property, foods, goods, and entire education system is run by the central services are owned and operated by the government. government and are distributed to the people by the government. In China, children start preschool at three years old and primary school at age 6 or 7. Elementary Over the last 30 years, the Chinese government has education is free, but the parents pay for everything changed to a unique political blend. China maintains from the children’s paper to the school’s electric bills. a communist government within a socialist society Secondary education (Middle and High School) is and capitalist economy. The opening up of China to paid for by the parents, with scholarships available for Western ideas has dramatically affected its people. those in need. To continue into high school, students A gap is widening between rich and poor. must do well on a series of tests, and it is steeply competitive to get into the best schools. ECONOMY Every student in China does morning exercises More and more of the world’s products are being before school and at a set time during the school day. manufactured in China. The country’s gross national The exercises are done in unison and are product has grown as much as 10% over the last accompanied by recorded music. few years. After the United States, China is now the second largest economy in the world.

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS ii CRITICAL RESPONSE SHEET CONNECTING WITH ART (PAGE 16)

Record your thoughts as you watch a video on one of China’s performing arts forms.

1. I notice... 2. This reminds me of… (Describe what you see and hear.) (This can be something you have done, seen or watched before.)

3. This makes me feel… 4. I wonder…. OR I see these feelings in the art… (What questions do you have as you watch this?)

5. I think that… What do you think this piece of art means? Why did the artist make it?)

THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS iii